Thursday, January 31, 2019

“Grandfather” by The Ground Floor – A Song Review

     “Grandfather“ is comparable to a pleasant boat ride along a canyon river, with current (tempo) changes that are easily perceived but not dramatic and with scenario that is continuously beautiful, then spectacular during one section. The ear-catching section begins at 3:36, when lyrically layering is added to a comforting trumpet to elevate the texturing to its maximum.

     The track from The Ground Floor begins peacefully as childhood memories are described. The sound of children can be heard in the background. A little more than a minute (1:17) into “Grandfather,” the tempo increases and a string instrument (cello, probably) plays a progressively important role. Another minute into the song, the trumpet enters and its calm demeanor contrasts brilliantly with the increasingly passionate vocals during the lyrical layering. For the final verse, “Grandfather” returns to its original tempo. 

     The Ground Floor is the performance name of Will Cunningham. Will is from Los Angeles, but has lived in Sydney, Australia for the last couple of years. He is the only member of The Ground Floor, so he plays all the parts.

     “Grandfather” by The Ground Floor





Lyrics of “Grandfather” by The Ground Floor
We wore each other’s blood
On the shirts we owned when we were children
We shared our mother’s womb
But slept in different rooms when we were children

The scent of a lemon tree
Tethers my mind to the soil
Of our Grandfather’s garden
Where none of our harvest could spoil

You were the only one
Who understood me
Back when we were children
I never told you then
You were the stronger kin
When we were children

When we wept ever silently
Over the handwritten letter
From our Grandfather’s jail cell
Swearing that he would be better
When we wept ever silently
Over the handwritten letter
From our Grandfather’s jail cell
That finally brought us together

I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers [Repeated 6 times]
(So let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s be together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)
(Let’s bleed together)
I bleed your blood and the sins of our Fathers (Let’s bleed together)

We'll gathered for dinner
When all of our families were stable
With our Grandfather seated
Back at the head of the table

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

“Ornament” by nothing,nowhere - A Song Feature

     “Ornament” doesn’t fit within our area of expertise and involves subject matter (a discontinued relationship) seemingly covered from every conceivable angle. But the intelligence and attractiveness of the song from nothing,nowhere push through barriers that define a music lover’s comfort zone.

     nothing,nowhere is Joe Mulherin, a 26 year old from Foxborough, Massachusetts. The man has experienced troubles. In 2018, he canceled several shows due to depression and anxiety.

     “Ornament” by nothing,nowhere


     nothing,nowhere was featured on “i still remember it all” by falls from Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s another passionate single.


Lyrics of “Ornament” by nothing,nowhere
In time
I'll be hanging on your nightstand by myself
As I sit in the dust while you lay with someone else
And I wish that you could feel how it felt
Knowing I am just an ornament on your shelf

Honestly, you never needed this
I know you got more that you're dealing with
I'm just a burden, I know that
I just wish that I could go back
Funny how everything changes
Old feelings, new faces
They say home is where you make it
Resided in you, now it's vacant

'Cause every single day, I wanna blame myself
I'm with you when you sleep but you're with someone else
And every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

And I can feel the pain when you see my face
And you can close the drawer but it won't change a thing
Every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

Now you gotta keep it all in like it's all good
But everything changed when you let me know it could
And you could take it back, I know you would
Won't throw me away when you know you should

Tell me what's real, is it all in my head?
Every night, every word that I said
They say move on but I'm better off dead
How can I sleep when I'm next to your bed?
How can you keep me confined in a frame?
Memories fading, the faces will change
But I still live in your head so I stay
Next to your bed, watch me wither away

'Cause every single day I wanna blame myself
I'm with you when you sleep but you're with someone else
And every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

And I can feel the pain when you see my face
And you can close the drawer but that won't change a thing
Every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

In time
I'll be hanging on your nightstand by myself
And I gather dust alone on your shelf

'Cause every single day I wanna blame myself
I'm with you when you're sleeping, you're with someone else
And every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

And I can feel the pain when you see my face
And you can close the drawer but that won't change a thing
And every single day you see my colors fade
I'm just that picture that you haven't thrown away

Honestly, you never needed this
I know you've got more that you're dealing with
I'm just a burden I know that (I'm just that picture)
I just wish that I could go back (that you haven't thrown away)
Funny how everything changes
Old feelings new faces
They say home is where you make it (I'm just that picture)
Resided in you, now it's vacant (that you haven't thrown away)
Honestly, you never needed this
I know you've got more that you're dealing with
I'm just a burden I know that (I'm just that picture)
I just wish that I could go back (that you haven't thrown away)
Honestly, you never needed this
I know you've got more that you're dealing with
Honestly, you never needed this
Honestly, you never needed this

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

“Carry On” by Pip Sargeant – A Song Feature

      “Carry On” arrives with a guitar hook radiating attractiveness and a rhythm section projecting urgency. The guitar moves on, but later introduces an even more appealing hook – the high frequency guitar entering between the first and second verses. In comparison, the rhythm section is unrelenting, until the final seconds, when the tempo is intelligently progressively reduced.

     The single from Pip Sargeant is a tip of the cap to the proper perspective on life, an acknowledgement that self-worth is not based on how much money you can make for someone else. Bring it on: what’s next? From the start, Sargeant caresses the lyrics. His investment in the message is apparent from the start, as his cadence and inflections through the first verse vary frequently. “Carry On” can be streamed or purchased via a range of platforms - https://song.link/CarryOn.

     Pip Sargeant was born and educated in Australia, having majored in voice at Monash University's School of Music in Melbourne. Despite experiencing success with bands in Australia, Sargeant relocated to Vancouver, Canada in 2017. He describes “Carry On” as a song “written and recorded through a collaboration across home studios in Canada and Australia. It's a modern rock song about carrying on in the face of surmounting odds.”

     In Vancouver, Pip Sargeant has established himself as a solo artist, playing venues around downtown Vancouver, Whistler, and Cypress Mountain. His Facebook presence doesn’t currently show any upcoming opportunities to see Sargeant, but possible updates may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/pg/pipsargeant/events/

     “Carry On” by Pip Sargeant




Lyrics of “Carry On” by Pip Sargeant
Isn't it funny?
How your brain can predict what's next
Oh, like a dog in a park with a ball in its mouth
He'll bring it back, wanting you to throw it just like you did…
Before

It's really funny
Oh, you think that you've figured it out
So what's next?
What's next for this feeble little life?
Who's next in line to tell me "No"?
Who's next to say, "It's never gonna happen"?
So just stop

Who's next in line to give it a go?
To take a few hits and watch the blood flow?
Please stop.

Isn't it funny?
I almost started to believe myself
That all my worth
Was how much money
I could make for someone else

So just carry on, carry on, carry on, carry on
Caring cause I know you do

So just carry on, carry on, carry on, carry on
Caring cause I know you do

So what's… next?

Monday, January 28, 2019

“Feline” by Secret Lynx – A Song Feature

     The first seconds of “Feline” deceptively create a climate for the start of a solemn event, similar to a church organ before a “high mass.” Very quickly, percussion and then guitars change the climate. The song from Secret Lynx is far better suited for an Indie Rock performance at their hometown’s House of Blues than at a house of prayer. Secret Lynx is a four-member band from San Diego.

     “Feline” is the title track from the second EP of Secret Lynx. Comparing the songs of the two EPs, the band is clearly taking a more up-tempo path. We agree with the description of the EP:
  “With the release of ‘Feline,’ Secret Lynx emerge from the down tempo melancholy that permeated their 2015 self-titled debut and deliver a cavalier rebuttal to their first EP. While their new record represents an energetic shift, ‘Feline’ retains the lyrical angst and emotion that has become synonymous with their sound.”

     The song is a nuanced blend of Rock, Surf and Pop. At times, the guitar touches upon Angels and Airwaves. For example, during the intro of “Feline,” a guitar with A&A influences dances atop a more Rock-heavy guitar.

     The members of Secret Lynx are vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Dudek, guitarist/keyboardist Tyler Hardwick, bassist Jonny Doan, and drummer Kai Taylor. Again quoting helpful content about the latest EP:
  “Combining influences that range from Tom Petty to The Shins, Secret Lynx intentionally set out to create their version of a rock & roll record. The opening track ‘Broken Rocks’ begins the EP with a driving bass line that eschews a punk rock simplicity, while subsequent tracks, ‘Feline’ and ‘On the Radar’ play to an earnest populism that speaks to the pains of growing up and out of relationships. The final tracks ‘Blindside’ and ‘Take Me Home’ combine anthemic guitar and vocals reminiscent of 70's stoner rock combined with early 80's post punk.”

     “Feline” by Secret Lynx




Sunday, January 27, 2019

"Sepulveda Basin" by Liily – A Song Feature

     "Sepulveda Basin" is in San Fernando Valley, the home of Liily. It is also the title of the band’s single. The song begins ominously, then transitions to guitars in which one mirrors the other. The attractiveness of the intro foreshadows the quality of "Sepulveda Basin."

     Liily is Dylan Nash (vocals), Sam De La Torre (guitar), Charlie Anastasis (bass), Maxx Morando (drums), and Aaron Reeves (guitar). They are currently touring and one stop will be at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, when Liily opens for The Glorious Sons. For ticket information, CLICK HEREThe full tour may be viewed at www.facebook.com/events.

     "Sepulveda Basin" by Liily 


     “Toro” by Liily


TOUR DATES:
Feb 9 - Albany, NY - The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
Feb 12 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair*
Feb 14 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade*
Feb 15 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's*
Feb 16 - Harrisburg, PA - Club XL*
Feb 17 - Buffalo, NY - Rec Room*
Feb 18 - Washington, DC - DC9 Nightclub*
Feb 20 - Atlanta, GA - Vinyl *
Feb 21 - Nashville, TN - The Basement East*
Feb 24 - Detroit, MI - Saint Andrews Hall*
Feb 25 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon*
Feb 27 - St. Paul, MN - Turf Club*
Feb 28 - Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern*
March 1 - Davenport, IA - Moeller Nights*
March 2 - Kansas City, MO - recordBar*
March 4 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep*
March 5 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall*
March 7 - Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar*
March 8 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues*
March 9 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy*
March 10 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop*
March 11 - Sacramento, CA - Holy Diver*
May 3 - Atlanta, GA - Shaky Knees Music Festival
* w/ Glorious Sons

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Supercaan - Free Saturday (“FL&R”)

     Finding songs that can be legally downloaded is easy. The difficult task is to find legally downloadable music that we recommend. Our plan is to post at least one Free, Legal and Recommended (FL&R) song each Saturday.

     Supercaan are a Birmingham/London based band. The members are Greg Milner, Stuart White and Tom Whitfield. “The Bull” is the first release from Supercaan and is taken from their completed debut album to be released in March 2019. “The Bull” is a melancholic indie anthem about keeping secrets from friends and modern anxiety. The track builds on a sequenced MS20 riff and ends in layers of decaying synths and guitar.

     “The Bull” by Supercaan




Friday, January 25, 2019

“Caroline” and “Smog City” by Raised on TV – Song Features

     As the trio moves toward the release of the next album, Raised on TV is two for two. The first successful “at bat” occurred in 2018, when “Caroline” received acclaim in the blogosphere. The vocal approach at the start of each of the three verses is attention-grabbing. The first line is divided into three parts by pauses, with the third being the most melodic. Thus, the lyrics begin “Don’t…. forget…. to remember” - the lyrics of "Caroline" are included below. Still, it’s the guitar bridge that is particularly praiseworthy, starting at 2:07.

     “Smog City” is the second positive “at bat.” The Los Angeles-based band more readily features its Rock side in the song that was inspired by driving for a ride-hailing company (Lyft). Sometimes separately and other times together, “Smog City” displays the band’s skills on guitar, bass and percussion. Thus, the drumming may not use drumskins, such as started around the two-minute mark (likely sticks against metal rim). And the guitar goes into tremolo (as in Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”) at 1:13, until the bass makes its presence known twelve seconds later.

     The members of Raised on TV are brothers Keaton Rogers (guitar, vocals) and Kacey Greenwood (drums), along with Kacey’s best friend from high school, Ryan Weiss (bass). All three members grew up in the San Fernando Valley. They formed the band that became Raised on TV in 2015. “Caroline” and “Smog City” will be on the album “Season 2,” which follows the 2017 album “Season 1.” It’s appropriate that a band that calls itself Raised on TV should refer to its albums on the basis on seasons. 

     “Smog City” was tracked during a session at Studio 606 (Dave Grohl's studio, which houses the notorious Sound City board) in late 2018 with Brendan Dekora (Muse, Foo Fighters) co-producing and Ben O'Neil (The Killers, Neon Trees) mixing. The song is about driving for Lyft in LA, which both Keaton and Kacey have done as a side job.

     “Caroline”




     “Smog City”




Lyrics of “Caroline” by Raised on TV
Don’t forget to remember
Just who we are
Please, easy in Spring
But it’s December

I was looking for you so long
I’m not sure if I am dreaming
If you’re real, then please just tell me
If you’re not, then please don’t wake me up
From my mind
My sweet Caroline

Don’t lose sight of what’s in front of your eyes
Please shine a light
Help me to see
Through my own disguise

I was looking for you so long
I’m not sure if I am dreaming
If you’re real, then please just tell me
If you’re not, then please don’t wake me up
From my mind
My sweet Caroline

[Bridge]

I was looking for you so long
I’m not sure if I am dreaming
If you’re real, then please just tell me
If you’re not, then please don’t wake me up
[Repeat]

From my mind
My sweet Caroline